Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Are You Interested in Becoming Catholic?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) was designed specifically for the initiation of the un-baptized person or those who are baptized yet un-catechized (no formal religious training). The process at Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Church begins with:

A time to ask questions about the Catholic faith

An introduction to gospel values and beginnings of faith

Inquiry Sessions

Inquiry sessions are generally held the first three Sundays of the month from 12:30 - 1:30 pm in the School Library. If you are interested in becoming Catholic or want more information, please contact the Director of RCIA, Chris Ivancich at (714) 962-3333 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Overview of RCIA Program

Every effort is made to assure that new members feel at home and welcome. The parish community is continually renewed when new members join the parish community. The enthusiasm of those seeking to become Catholic is contagious and we are grateful for their witness as we journey together on the path that Jesus set before us. During the Catechumenate the unbaptized (Catechumen) and baptized uncatechized (Candidate) participate in Catechesis where various topics on Catholicism are studied and scripture readings for that Sunday. The RCIA process at Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Church is an on-going process which con­sists of four stages:

Pre-Catechumenate (Inquiry)Time Period: as long as needed – there is no set time for completionIndividuals learn about God and the basics of the Catholic faith. They will have experienced the first beginnings of conversion before taking the next step.

CatechumenateTime period: 1 to 2 years or longer – there is no set time for completionCatechumens grow in their relationship with God and their understanding of their faith. They become familiar with Catholic prayers and practices as well as with the Mass. They participate in the celebration of the Liturgy of the Word at Mass, followed by Dismissal and catechetical sessions.

Purification & EnlightenmentTime period: 40 days of Lent, following the Rite of Election by the Bishop.The Elect prepare to receive the sacraments of initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. This is an intensive time of personal preparation. There are also special rites that apply during this period such as penitential rites that involve prayers and blessings for the Elect at Mass. This time of preparation culminates with the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.

MystagogyTime period: 50 days of Easter and monthly thereafter until the following Easter Neophytes (or the newly baptized) are now able to explore what it means to be able to receive communion and fully participate in the sacraments of the Catholic Church. They also prepare for their first experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Baptized Catholics who have been baptized and have received Eucharist and need only the Sacrament of Confirmation should participate in the Adult Confirmation program.